LA Homeless Agency CEO Accused of Misconduct, Settlements Revealed

Allegations Against LAHSA CEO

• 💡 Two former employees of the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) received $800,000 in settlements after accusing CEO Valicia Adams Kellum of misconduct.
• ⚠️ Allegations include asking the head of IT to delete emails from Mayor Bass, which violates public record retention laws.
• 🎭 Another claim suggests Kellum received an inappropriate lap dance from a consultant during a conference in Washington D.C.
• 👥 It's also alleged that Kellum hired unqualified former subordinates from her previous job, giving them high-paid positions and significant pay bumps.

LAHSA's Response and Investigation Concerns

• 🚫 LAHSA initially refused to release the settlement documents, eventually providing heavily redacted versions before releasing unredacted ones after continued pressure.
• 🗣️ Valicia Adams Kellum strenuously denies all allegations, stating she hires qualified individuals and does not condone such behavior.
• ❓ Questions remain about why no independent investigation was conducted into the allegations, despite a potential LAHSA policy requiring one for senior executives.

Broader Context and Impact

• 📉 The county recently gave LAHSA a vote of no confidence, and the agency's overall performance in addressing homelessness is questioned.
• 💰 The $800,000 settlement amount is highlighted as enough to house and shelter dozens of people for a year through LAHSA's programs.

Reporter's Recognition and Past Work

• 🏆 Correspondent Nick Gerda was recognized as Journalist of the Year by the Sacramento Press Club for his reporting.
• 💰 Gerda's past investigative work led to a federal criminal investigation and plea deal for a former Orange County Supervisor who diverted millions in COVID-19 funds to a nonprofit run by his daughter.
• ⚖️ This reporting also resulted in three state reform laws expanding the definition of conflict of interest in California ethics laws.
• 📰 The segment emphasizes the value of local investigative journalism in uncovering corruption and demanding accountability.